Your kids are going to love these boredom busters! Grab some fun and easy activities for children of all ages. The entire family will want to pitch in and have a great time.
Hello there. If you’ve reached this article, then my guess is you have recently heard or are about to hear those dreaded words you never want to hear escape your children’s lips: “I’m bored.”
I’ll be honest, as a child I was probably more guilty of this than anyone. Even as an adult, with the ability to pretty much do whatever I want, I get bored on occasion.
I’ve heard all the quotes about it too . . . quotes like “only boring people get bored.” I’m definitely going to have to have to disagree with that. Sometimes extremely interesting people get bored too (ha!).
But let’s get back to the kids. It’s inevitable that there is going to be a time – whether during summer, winter break, etc. – that you’re going to need some boredom busters for the littles. And that’s my specialty, friends!
I’ve got a collection of fun activities that kids can do from home, with options for getting them outdoors as well. My favorite things about these boredom busters:
- All of the projects are easy and great for kids of all ages, from toddlers to tweens
- Lots of recycled materials are used – can you say “inexpensive” three times fast?
- Most of these activities can be done inside and out
- You’ll find a lot of supplies for these crafts in your stash or pantry (especially the science experiments!)
- The family can pitch in and make a lot of these projects together; how about that family bonding?
Next time you hear “I’m bored,” I hope you’ll check out these list of over 50 boredom busters. These are tried and true ideas, and I know your kids are going to love them.
Leave me a comment and let me know which ones you attempt! But before that, scroll down and get the projects. Enjoy!
1
DIY Spin Art Machine with a Salad Spinner
Remember spin art from when you were a kid? You can recreate it with household items, and no fancy machine. This kids' craft is SO fun!
Get the Tutorial
2
Play Doh Slime
This is the coolest slime recipe ever, with no Borax! Kids are going to love making this unique slime with Play Doh.
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3
Amy Anderson
Easy Rock Painting Ideas
Rock painting is one of my favorite boredom busters! You can to spend time collecting the rocks, washing, decorating, and then spreading out again for people to find. Grab some painting inspiration here with tips.
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4
Brandy Nelson
5
artfulparent.com
Raised Salt Paintings
Raised salt painting is an all-time favorite kids art activity that is loved by all ages from preschool on up. Glue, salt, and watercolors are all you need for this simple boredom buster, also known as salty watercolors.
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6
Moon Glow in the Dark T-Shirt
Make a glow in the dark t-shirt with an image of the moon using this easy tutorial – all you need is some glowing fabric paint.
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7
Chelsey Foy
Egg Carton Rainbow
This fun and colorful rainbow and cloud craft makes cool art to display or share. Made from a recycled egg carton, it’s a perfect boredom buster to make together with your kids.
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8
Sammie Breakbill
How to Make a Sidewalk Chalk Mosaic
If you want a fun and creative activity to get the kids outside, you need to make this sidewalk chalk mosaic! You only need two things to make it – and it’s a blast.
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9
Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
Learn how to make toilet paper roll binoculars for kids! These are perfect for summer fun, and use materials you already have at home. Plus there are free printable papers if you need them.
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10
Jackie Currie
Crystallized Beach Rocks
Learn how to make colorful crystallized beach rocks with Borax and liquid watercolors! This science activity puts a spin on the classic Borax and pipe cleaner experiment and is a perfect boredom buster.
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11
eighteen25.com
Bird Feeders That Are Fun For All Ages
You can make the simplest bird feeders ever using cookie cutters! This is a great activity for the entire family, and allows kids to do some bird watching after they hang their feeders.
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12
Rainbow Painted Flower Pots
Use paint to make painted flower pots with rainbow ombre awesomeness! Both children and adults alike will love this easy craft. So fun!
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13
Easy Wine Cork Stamps
Learn how to make a DIY stamp out of a wine cork with this cool tutorial! It's a perfect indoor craft for kids.
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14
babbledabbledo.com
How to Make Fizzy Dough
Fizzy dough is one of my favorite summer boredom busters! It feels cold to the touch so it is perfect for mimicking snow and it fizzes when it comes into contact with vinegar! Kids of all ages will love making, playing with, and “melting” this dough.
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15
Cute Cat Bookmarks From Paint Chips
Instead of using random scraps of paper, I whipped up these super colorful and cute feline themed bookmarks out of paint chips!
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16
picklebums.com
How to Make Folded Paper Bracelets
Making a folded paper bracelet is a fun way to keep the kids busy and to use up old paintings. Plus, they look so pretty!
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17
Polymer Clay Pens
Kids will love playing with clay in this DIY pens project! They'll learn to marble, and the pens make great gifts for friends and family.
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18
Nature Scavenger Hunt (with Free Printable!)
If you're looking for a unique activity this summer when kids are bored, this nature scavenger hunt is the perfect way to get them outside and moving!
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19
easypeasyandfun.com
Paper Plate Flower Weaving
There are two parts to this paper plate craft – first kids will create the flower, then they'll weave! It's super easy, and they can make an entire garden of pretty woven blooms.
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20
Paper Chain
Learn how to make paper chains the easiest way possible! This is a fun idea that's great for parties and holidays.
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21
Steve Carrell
DIY Backpack Charms
Use your favorite patterns of Duck Tape to make these easy backpack charms. Kids will love assembling these in a matter of minutes!
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22
thesoccermomblog.com
Pipe Cleaner Finger Puppets
Pipe cleaner finger puppets are an easy, mess-free kids craft and boredom buster perfect for rainy days! Kids will enjoy making puppets and then having a show with them.
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23
DIY Tie Dye Headbands from T-Shirts
These tie dye headbands are easy to make from t-shirts! This easy craft is perfect for summer.
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24
smallforbig.com
DIY Washer Necklaces
I love that you can make these cute necklaces using hardware store parts – washers! Kids will enjoy painting them with nail polish to make their own colorful designs.
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25
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Learn how to make chalk paint with kids. This is such a fun summer craft! Use the paint on the sidewalk; it washes away with the rain.
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26
craftplaylearn.com
Recycle Crayons Into Dino Crayons
Learn how to take crayon nubs and broken crayons and turn them into any shape you like! The brand "new" crayons will be fun for kids to use and make crazy colors and patterns.
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27
momjunky.com
How to Make a DIY Bug Hotel
With oatmeal containers and a little creativity, kids can make their own bug hotels! They'll get to create their hotels first and then get outside and catch some bugs.
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28
DIY Bracelet with Duck Tape
These DIY bracelets made with Duck Tape are SO easy! Make these braided bracelets as a fun boredom buster. Teens and tweens will love them.
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29
happydealhappyday.com
Homemade Puffy Paint with Two Ingredients
I had no idea you can make puffy paint with only two ingredients! Kids are going to love making this simple paint in every color . . . then watching it puff up.
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30
Fun Flower Pens (Made with Duct Tape!)
Learn how to make flower pens using a fun craft material – duct tape! SO fun and you can use any colors you like.
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31
inthekidskitchen.com
Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag
Do your kids love experimenting in the kitchen? Kids won't believe they are able to make their own ice cream this easily, and they'll be able to do it themselves!
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32
DIY Outer Space Jewelry
This kids' outer space jewelry craft is out-of-this-world fun! This strand of planets is made with clay and it's really easy to do.
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33
Colorful Dip Dyed Kids Wall Art
Use liquid watercolors or food coloring to make this unique dip dyed kids wall art project. Kids will have fun and the results are stunning!
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34
Perler Bead Bookmarks
Learn how to make perler bead bookmarks using simple supplies! Kids will love this easy project with beads, popsicle sticks, and glue.
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35
Bug Cards
These bug cards are the perfect summer craft for kids! Make them easily with stickers, ink pads, and other simple supplies.
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36
jugglingwithkids.com
DIY Bubbly Lava Lamps
This cool science experiment is perfect when kids need something to do. They can make their own lava lamps in their favorite colors using simple kitchen materials.
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37
Fruit Embroidered Coasters
These embroidered coasters are perfect for older kids who need something fun to make – they are themed with sweet fruit! Use cork and this easy tutorial.
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38
barleyandbirch.com
Scrap Paper Quick Collages
These mini compositions are one of my favorite boredom busters because, not only are they mess free, they offer endless options for art exploration and kids can do variations on this for-ev-er. So many hours of play!
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39
DIY Pencil Toppers Kids Will Love
How adorable are these personalized pencil toppers? They’re bright and cheery, perfect for sending special messages and for party favors.
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40
Aki Altuna
EASY Salt Dough Ornaments That Last Forever
Whether it's Christmas or not, you can make ornaments out of salt dough any time of year! This post has the recipe using ingredients already in your kitchen. Paint them any colors you like.
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41
downredbuddrive.com
Kids Lemonade Stand Business Plan
When I was young, my mom told us to start a lemonade stand if we got bored. I love that it's still a thing! Sammie created a printable so that kids can start with a business plan and go from there.
Get the Printable
42
No Sew Pillows from Felt
Are you ready for summer craft camp with the kids? Make these no sew pillows in fun shapes. These are SO easy and littles will love them!
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43
innerchildfun.com
Recycled Key Wind Chime
It is so cool to take something destined for the trash and turn it into something beautiful and useful! If you've got some extra keys lying around, they are perfect for this craft. Just add paint!
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44
Perler Bead Tic Tac Toe Game
Learn how to make perler bead tic tac toe using simple supplies! Kids will love this easy project with beads that results in a game to play.
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45
onelittleproject.com
Dish Soap Silly Putty
This is quite possibly the EASIEST silly putty recipe ever! And you probably have all of the ingredients in your kitchen already. Kids will love making this in the color of their choice when they get bored.
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46
Perler Bead Bracelets
Learn how to make DIY bracelets with hama beads! If your kids like perler bead crafts, they'll enjoy this project.
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47
Jackie Currie
Magic Milk Experiment
Science experiments are my favorite boredom busters! You’ll set off an explosion of color in a dish of milk, using just food coloring and dish soap.
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48
Leslie Manlapig
DIY Egg Carton Wreath
Learn how to make the cutest wreath ever out of egg cartons! Kids will have a blast making flowers and then create a unique home decor piece.
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49
Lilly Ardor
How to Make Shrinky Dinks
Have your kids tried Shrinky Dinks? It's one of my favorite crafts from childhood! Grab a pack from the craft store or a recycled craft container and show your littles how to make the Dinks.
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50
growingajeweledrose.com
Apple Stamping Craft
I think fruit stamping is the coolest, and sometimes you make the cutest things from it as well. Next time your kids say they're bored, break out the apples (and other fruits!) and get stamping.
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51
gluesticksblog.com
DIY Tissue Paper Globe Craft
Tissue paper, a styrofoam ball, and a bit of glue is all you need to make a darling little globe craft. A fun craft for Earth Day or a solar system unit! Hang with a small hook and string from the ceiling for a fun way to display.
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52
Coffee Filter Butterflies
Make these cute butterflies out of coffee filters using inexpensive supplies! Kids will love to make these for spring or summer.
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53
thecraftpatchblog.com
Clothespin Flower Fairy
You will love creating these cute little fairy dolls made out of silk flowers and wooden clothespins. I love all of the ideas for dressing them up in different colors.
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54
girllovesglam.com
Puppy Dog Pals Puppets
I don't know about your house, but we love pugs around here! Either way, paper bag puppets are one of the best boredom busters. Kids can make them and then host their own puppet show.
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55
Coffee Filter Snowflakes
You'll love learning how to make this cute coffee filter snowflake craft, perfect for kids this Christmas or winter! Adults love these too.
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Did you enjoy these boredom busters? Let me know in the comments! I’d love for you to check out these other great children’s craft collections:
4th of July • Construction Paper • Cotton Balls • Fall • Frozen • Hearts • Macaroni • Mickey Mouse • Minions • Monsters • Mushrooms • Nature • Paper Bag • Paper Cups • Pine Cones • Pokemon • Popsicle Sticks • President’s Day • St. Patrick’s Day • Stars • Straws